University of Connecticut Program

The University of Connecticut Program in Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology offers a comprehensive 1-year ACGME-accredited fellowship designed for future cardiac anesthesiologists. The program is structured to accept two fellows yearly, aiming to develop proficient and confident specialists in the field of cardiac anesthesia.

Clinical training is primarily conducted at Hartford Hospital, a distinguished 800-bed university-affiliated tertiary care center that provides a vast array of complex cardiovascular treatments. The program works in collaboration with the Hartford Healthcare Heart & Vascular Institute, which has shown significant volume in cardiac cases, performing 1867 surgeries in 2023 alone. The rich mentorship is provided by a team of 18 fellowship-trained cardiac anesthesiologists, all of whom possess advanced perioperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) certification, emphasizing the importance of TEE in cardiac anesthesia.

Training Environment

During the fellowship year, fellows gain expertise in various procedures, including but not limited to CABGs, valve operations, LVADs, ECMO, heart transplants, and more. A significant aspect of the fellowship is the focus on teaching fellows the foundational skills necessary for mastering TEE, which prepares them for board certification exams. Besides, fellows will also spend a portion of their training time at UConn Health to experience different institutional practices regarding cardiac patient management 1.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum consists of core rotations divided into 4-week blocks, including:

• Cardiac Anesthesia: 6 blocks
• Thoracic/Vascular Anesthesia: 1 block
• Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit (CTICU): 1 block
• Electrophysiology Lab/Cardiac Catheterization Lab Anesthesia: 1 block
• TEE/TTE: 1 block

Fellows are also offered elective rotations, allowing them to delve deeper into topics such as perfusion, ECMO, inpatient cardiology, and pediatric cardiac anesthesia. The structured program provides 4 weeks of vacation and opportunities to attend national conferences 4.

Research and Scholarly Activity

Fellows are highly encouraged to engage in scholarly activities throughout their time in the program. This engagement could include participating in ongoing research, presenting at national forums, authoring articles, or initiating quality improvement projects 8. Specific research activities have led to numerous peer-reviewed publications demonstrating the fellowship's commitment to advancing cardiac anesthesiology.

Fellow Wellness Program

Recognizing the demanding nature of fellowship training, the program emphasizes the importance of mental and physical well-being. The fellowship fosters a supportive environment, engendering camaraderie among fellows through numerous activities, such as annual picnics, holiday events, and recreational outings. Several benefits enhance fellow wellness, including a $1000 education fund, a $2000 conference fund, mental health counseling, and more. In addition, the fellows benefit from structured mentoring and a focus on maintaining a healthy work-life balance 6.

Application Process and Requirements

Applicants must complete the SF Match application and will undergo a competitive selection process. The program welcomes diverse applicant backgrounds, and bachelors with significant experience in anesthesia will be prioritized. No specific STEP exam failure limits are mentioned, enhancing the program's accessibility to a broad range of candidates 7.

Visa Sponsorship

The program provides visa sponsorship options for international medical graduates, potentially supporting J-1 and H-1B visa applications, thereby accommodating a diverse cohort of fellows 1.

Competitiveness

The UConn Fellowship is regarded as competitive, attracting candidates from various medical backgrounds, including both MDs and DOs, willing to enhance their expertise in cardiothoracic anesthesia. The fellowship maintains a commitment to inclusivity and diversity, reflecting the evolving landscape of medical education.